Upgrade to D90?
Discussion
I've been given money for my birthday that's to go towards any photography stuff I'd like. I've been having a look but I can't really decide on anything.
My first thoughts were a nice new lens because I know that the glass is the important bit, but after 2 years I'm starting to find my D40 a bit restricting. I've got the 18-55 kit lens, the Tamron 70-300 cheapo and the Nikon 18-70 that I love. I'm more than happy with the 18-70 and for what I use it for, the Tamron does a pretty good job.
Whatever I decide to buy will be a Nikon product as I know someone who works for them and is able to sort me out with some savings. This has got me thinking that perhaps upgrading to the D90 might be a good idea if the price is right. Reading the spec list there seems to be a big enough jump from the D40 to make it worthwhile whilst leaving plenty more growing room for the future.
The budget really depends on what savings I'm going to make but for argument's sake I'll say up to £600 rrp for now.
I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on what I should do as I feel like a bit of a child in a sweet shop at the moment and don't want to waste this pretty rare chance to spend a decent amount of cash on some gear.
Cheers
My first thoughts were a nice new lens because I know that the glass is the important bit, but after 2 years I'm starting to find my D40 a bit restricting. I've got the 18-55 kit lens, the Tamron 70-300 cheapo and the Nikon 18-70 that I love. I'm more than happy with the 18-70 and for what I use it for, the Tamron does a pretty good job.
Whatever I decide to buy will be a Nikon product as I know someone who works for them and is able to sort me out with some savings. This has got me thinking that perhaps upgrading to the D90 might be a good idea if the price is right. Reading the spec list there seems to be a big enough jump from the D40 to make it worthwhile whilst leaving plenty more growing room for the future.
The budget really depends on what savings I'm going to make but for argument's sake I'll say up to £600 rrp for now.
I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on what I should do as I feel like a bit of a child in a sweet shop at the moment and don't want to waste this pretty rare chance to spend a decent amount of cash on some gear.
Cheers
craig_s said:
I feel like a bit of a child in a sweet shop
That's the issue. What do you want to do that your D40 won't let you, or is this 'upgrade fever'? How will a D90 make your photos look better? Can you spend the money on something else that will improve your results? What is the current limiting factor, if there is one?Well I want to improve my photography in general really. I sometimes feel like I could do with more than 3 AF points and a better fps rate and obviously less noise at high ISO would be great. Also, having the AF motor in the camera body would open up the range of lenses available too.
But then for the same money I could probably get one or two faster, sharper lenses that would also be useful.
But then for the same money I could probably get one or two faster, sharper lenses that would also be useful.
I know it's fashionable to advise investing in lenses over the latest and greatest body. However I believe that in Nikon's range the D90 and the D700 are standout bodies that are well worth the investment. The D90 is a huge step on from a D40, essentially offering the sensor and AF system from the much more expensive D300 in a great value package (similarly the D700 vs D3).
One great advantage of the D90 is that the on board focus motors opens up the possibility of using a large range of older high quality lenses that with a bit of effort can be found at bargain prices. My walkabout lens is a 35-70 f2.8 AF-D that I bought online for just over £200 - fantastic lens, the modern equiv of which (24-70 f2.8 AF-S) would set you back £1200.
My choice would be to go for the D90, live with your current lenses and search for lens bargains when the funds allow.
One great advantage of the D90 is that the on board focus motors opens up the possibility of using a large range of older high quality lenses that with a bit of effort can be found at bargain prices. My walkabout lens is a 35-70 f2.8 AF-D that I bought online for just over £200 - fantastic lens, the modern equiv of which (24-70 f2.8 AF-S) would set you back £1200.
My choice would be to go for the D90, live with your current lenses and search for lens bargains when the funds allow.
craig_s said:
Well I want to improve my photography in general really. I sometimes feel like I could do with more than 3 AF points and a better fps rate and obviously less noise at high ISO would be great. Also, having the AF motor in the camera body would open up the range of lenses available too.
But then for the same money I could probably get one or two faster, sharper lenses that would also be useful.
Fair points. Is a s/h D200 an option for about £500? I used one on a fashion shoot today: six hours, two models, 100 outfits, 900 photos But then for the same money I could probably get one or two faster, sharper lenses that would also be useful.
(plus a chunk of studio lighting as well but you get the idea)Edited by Simpo Two on Monday 28th June 22:29
I don't mind using older lenses like you say friederich, especially if they are bargains!
I have looked at D200s in the not so distant past but if there's a chance I can get the D90 for less than that then I think that's what I'd go for. Possibly, maybe.
I'm also thinking of going for the 50mm f/1.8 AF plus another lens but I'm not sure what the other would be.
I have looked at D200s in the not so distant past but if there's a chance I can get the D90 for less than that then I think that's what I'd go for. Possibly, maybe.
I'm also thinking of going for the 50mm f/1.8 AF plus another lens but I'm not sure what the other would be.
I'd suggest a D90 is probably a better bet than a D200. It's a shame a D300 (now discontinued) is out of reach unless your friend can get some really, really great discounts for you (or has access to used stock).
One thing to check before you switch - the D90/D200/D300 are all a lot bigger and a lot heavier than your D40. Possibly not a problem (I prefer the weighty feel) but you might really dislike it. The girlfriends old D80 broke and so she upgraded to a D90 and for all the improvements in features it offers over her old camera she still wishes she'd bought a used D80 instead as it just felt so much more natural to hold.
As for lenses .... Nikon 18-200mm VRII to consolidate the lenses you use? ... or Nikon 70-300mm VR would be a major upgrade to your Tamron.
Happy shopping!
One thing to check before you switch - the D90/D200/D300 are all a lot bigger and a lot heavier than your D40. Possibly not a problem (I prefer the weighty feel) but you might really dislike it. The girlfriends old D80 broke and so she upgraded to a D90 and for all the improvements in features it offers over her old camera she still wishes she'd bought a used D80 instead as it just felt so much more natural to hold.
As for lenses .... Nikon 18-200mm VRII to consolidate the lenses you use? ... or Nikon 70-300mm VR would be a major upgrade to your Tamron.
Happy shopping!
craig_s said:
I'm also thinking of going for the 50mm f/1.8 AF plus another lens but I'm not sure what the other would be.
Using shopping logic, that alone could put £200 towards your camera budget 
The AF 1.8 lens is £100ish, the 50mm 1.8 AFS retails at nearly £300, albeit with an f1.4 aperture instead of f1.8
Well I can get the D90 at a pretty good price but it would mean I'd probably not be buying any new lenses straight away as I want to keep some of the money for other things.
The dilemma I have is that if I go for the D90 I'll have to put up with less than brilliant lenses for a bit, but if I stick with the D40 I'd have to spend much more since I'd have to buy the AF-S lenses. That means getting a 50mm that would autofocus would be 3 times that of one that would autofocus on the D90.
The dilemma I have is that if I go for the D90 I'll have to put up with less than brilliant lenses for a bit, but if I stick with the D40 I'd have to spend much more since I'd have to buy the AF-S lenses. That means getting a 50mm that would autofocus would be 3 times that of one that would autofocus on the D90.
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